Missy Elliott received a warm welcome when she returned to “106 & Park” minus her partner-in-rhyme Timbaland, who was stuck in traffic. Decked out in a spike-covered jacket, Misdemeanor chatted about her new singles “9th Inning” and “Triple Threat” and upcoming album.

“Missy then was 10 years ahead and Missy now is 10 years ahead, so nothing’s really changed as far as Missy is concerned,” she told Rocsi. “I’m futuristic. I’ma bring 2050 in the year 2012.”

For the new project, the dynamic duo returned to Virginia, where they recorded Missy’s 1997 debut Supa Dupa Fly. “People be like, ‘Welcome back. We glad you back,'” said Missy. “This will say we never left. This album is crazy! There’s nothing like it.”

She also shared memories of her late friend and manager Chris Lighty. “Words can’t describe this man. He was a go-getter,” she said of the Violator founder. “He wanted to see all of us make it and be successful. He built so many careers, not just Missy Elliott. There was Busta, there was LL, there was 50—so many, Mariah.”